Hong Kong stocks end 0.29pc lower

HONG KONG: Hong Kong shares ended 0.29 percent lower on Friday after a rally in the previous two sessions was capped by concerns the US Federal Reserve would end its monetary easing scheme earlier than expected.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index shed 67.51 points to close at 23,331.09 on turnover of HK$77.49 billion ($10.0 billion).

Chinese shares closed up 0.35 percent on their first day of trade for the year, following a near three percent rise in the previous two sessions.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index added 7.86 points to 2,276.99 on turnover of 114.6 billion yuan ($18.4 billion).